As progress continues with Hummingbird Fire, affected areas remain closed “for public health and safety”

The closure order first went into effect April 25 and currently has no listed end date.

Source: Gila National Forest, USDA Forest Service
Images: Courtesy

The Gila National Forest is reminding visitors that closure orders connected to the Hummingbird Fire remain in effect despite progress in containing the wildfire.

In a recent public notice, forest officials emphasized that areas surrounding Willow Creek across portions of the Glenwood, Reserve and Wilderness Ranger Districts remain closed “for public health and safety.”

The closure order first went into effect April 25 and currently has no listed end date.

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According to the Forest Service, the order was issued due to “firefighting operations and fire danger associated with the uncontrolled Hummingbird Fire on the Gila National Forest.”

Multiple trails, campgrounds and recreation areas remain closed under the emergency order, including:

• Middle Fork Trail #157
• Loco Mountain Trail #143
• Clayton Mesa Trail #175
• Lilley Park Trail #164
• West Fork Trail #151
• Crest Trail #182
• Whitewater Baldy Trail #172
• Iron Creek Mesa Trail #171
• Cooper Trail #141
• Ben Lilly Campground
• Willow Creek Campground
• Willow Creek Trailhead

The closure area includes National Forest System lands and trails near Willow Creek and portions of the Gila Wilderness boundary in Catron County.

Forest officials warned that entering the closure area is prohibited under federal regulations.

“Going into or being upon the Described Area which is closed for public health and safety” is prohibited under the order, according to the Forest Service notice.

Violations may be prosecuted as a Class B misdemeanor punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.

Federal, state and local emergency personnel actively involved in firefighting or rescue operations are exempt from the closure, along with individuals specifically authorized by the Forest Service.

Daily updates on the Hummingbird Fire are being posted through the Gila National Forest Facebook page, InciWeb and NM Fire Info.

The Forest Service is asking visitors to respect all closures while firefighting operations continue and conditions remain hazardous in the affected portions of the forest.

Additional information, maps and the full closure order are available through the Gila National Forest Alerts Page.